Question Summary
What is the ruling for a person who performs wudu naked or just wearing underwear?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
The validity of wudu is not affected by one’s clothing or lack thereof.
However, according to the relied upon the position in the Hanafi school, it is necessary for one to cover their basic ‘Awra (nakedness) even when alone, unless there is need. A minority opinion in the Hanafi school deems this a sunna. [Ibn ‘Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]
Covering One’s Nakedness (‘Awra) and Modesty
One of the meanings found throughout the Sunna of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace) is modesty.
He (may Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Shamelessness has never entered into something except that it makes it ugly; modesty has never entered into something except that it beautifies it.” [Ahmad]
Modesty is one of the core Sunan of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace), and it is a quality that is beloved to Allah Most High.
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace) was asked regarding covering one’s nakedness and replied, “Protect you nakedness except for your spouse….” I (i.e., the narrator of this hadith) said, “What if one of us is alone?” He (may Allah bless him and give him peace) replied, “Then Allah has more right to be shown modesty.” [Nasai’]
Exceptions
Thus it is from the sunna of the Messenger (may Allah bless him and give him peace) to minimize the extent and length that one is uncovered.
It is permissible to uncover in the case of need, such as intimate relations between spouses, when relieving oneself and when grooming.
Hope this helps
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani